Flow intermitter



April 3, 1945.

A. BoYNToN 2,372,656

FLOW INTERMITTER Filed sept. 29, 1941 4 sheets-sheet 1 A T TURA/EY.

April 3, 1945. A, BQYNTON FLow *INTERMI'ITER Filed sept. 29, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 roc0 mm om wm Nm ATTORNEY.

April 3, 1945 A. EsoYNToN 2,372,656

' FLOW INTERMITTER Filed sept. 29, 1941 4 sheets-sheet s 52 45a. f la April 3,A 1945. -5 A BOYNTON 2,372,656

. FLOW `INTERMITTER VA Tmp/VH.

Patented pr. 3, 1945 FLW INTERMITTER Alexander Boynton, San Antonio, Tex.; Sida S. Martin executrix of said Alexander Boynton,

` deceased applieation september 29, 1941,'seria1No. 412,870

V15 claims. (o1. 10a-245) My invention relates to flow intermitters for cased wells and deals with the general subject of my Patents,-No 2,262,750, issued November 18, 1941, and No. 2,263,565, issued November 25,-1941, and-my application Ser. No. 412,869, led September 29, 1941.

The principal object is to provide an automatic intermitter installed above ground for the purpose of causing a well to iiow at predetermined intervals and'during predetermined lengths of time,

Another object is'to provide an intermitter for such purpose which will apply pressure iiuid force to the producing formation only while the well is flowing, the pressure being withdrawn from the producing formation while the well is building up each head of liquid.

A further object is to control the duration of the owing operations and the intervals between such operations, independent of gas pressure within the well. l

Another object is to enable a well to be owed at predetermined intervals and during predetermined lengths of time without subjecting the producing formation of the well to any pressure from the air or gas employed to lift the well liquid, this result being accomplished by employing a packer or string of pressure tubing surrounding the flow tubing, the annular space between the two strings of tubing being closed hermetically proximate their vextreme ends.

A still further object is to provide a flow intermitter which will cause flow dew'ces to operate more efficiently and without manual control at y pressures which may be varied by adjusting the intermitter. l

Another object is to conserve natural gas and to lengthen the natural flowing life of oil wells by closing the wells in before or .when their gas begins to break through the well liquid and by opening the wells again when they have built up enough gas to ow them.

Another object is to record thenumber of now,- ing operations during known intervals.

In accomplishing the foregoing objects,`I employ a piston assembly within an aligned`assembly of cylinders, one end of the cylinder assem-` bly being connected with a high pressureline and the other end being connected with a low `pressure line. The pressure in the. low pressure end of the cylinder assembly is constant at any ad-,

justment thereof; while the pressure in the high pressure end varies intermittently from slightly above that of the low pressure end to somewhat below that of the low pressure end. A latch retards the movement of the piston assembly in both directions, in order that any movement begun will be completed with certainty. A pressure regulator controls the low pressure in one end of the cylinder assembly, while a bleeder is employed to deplete the pressure in the high pressure end of the cylinder assembly until it becomes less than that of the low pressure end. The resulting intermittent difference in pressures acting upon op po-site ends of the piston assembly causes it to travel first in one direction and then in the other; thereby operating a plurality of valves and aceomplishing the foregoing objects.

` The cylinder assembly is adapted to operate' five valves which severally control the duration of the flowing period, the intervals between such periods, the admission of pressure fluid into the well, and the withdrawal of pressure iuid from the well, a mechanical counter being actuated by the piston assembly to record the number of fiowing operations; all of which will `become more apparent from an examination of the following specification and accompanying drawings, in Whichi Fig. 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the preferred em; bodiment,

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3, Figs. 2 and 5. Fig. 4 is a top view of the platform and four valves.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5 5, Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a partial enlarged section through one end of the latch.

Fig. 7 is a top View of a modied form of the platform and valves mounted upon it in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a partial front view of a modified form showing the tubing Valve operated by a rack and pinion.

Fig. 9 is a perspective View of the piston bracket.

Fig. 10 is a perspective'view of the tubing valve to designate similar parts throughout the several views. i i

The casing head 3 is employed to form a hermetic seal between the well casing I and-the flow tubing 2, proximately above the ground surface 4, the tubing being positioned centrally within the casing and being surrounded by the annular space I a.

A nipple 2a, which is an extension of the tubing 2, is shown connected to the tubing by the union 2b which is employed for convenience in assembling the intermitter and removing it from the well. The bent nipple 5, threadedly connected with the tubing valve 6, may be joined to a ow line leading to a production tank.

The cylinder assembly consisting of the cylinder spacer member 2 I, having the external longitudinal reinforcing ribs 2lb and the high and low pressure cylinders I 6 and I9, respectively, is secured upon the nipple 2a by the bolts l2 and 42' which are received through openings in the clamps 4l and 4I.

The two bolts 42 are engaged threadedly within the two bosses 2 I g of the cylinder spacer member 2 I while the two bolts d2 are received through openings in the supporting flange 2If to which flange these bolts are locked by the nuts 2b. The heads of the bolts 42 and the nuts 42h are beveled as at 42a, Fig. 11, these beveled surfaces being received within conforming countersinks within the supporting flange 2li of the cylinder spacer member 2l for the purpose of rigidily securing the bolts 42 centrally within the openings through the flange.

The tubing valve 6, shown connected between the nipples 2a and 5, has the conventional square operating shank 6a, through which the usual lubricator screw 6b extends. of the ordinary lubricated plug valve type adapted to open by approximately 90 degrees clockwise swing of the operating handle or lever and to close by a reciprocatory movement.

The tubing valve operating lever l (see Fig. 10), which may be pressed over or otherwise secured upon the shank Sa of the valve I5 has an irregular slot 'l' within which the actuator pin 8 is positioned. The actuator pin 8 is received closely within the opening 9a of its bracket 9 where it may be secured by the set screw II (see Fig. 9). The bracket 9 is secured to the piston member I2 by the studs l0 and Ill engaging within the enlargement I2b of one of the ribs l2a, these ribs having large clearance within the cylinders IS and IQ. The slot 2Ic of the spacer member 2l provides that the actuator pin bracket S and the lever I may be free to travel therein during the movements of the piston member l2, as will be explainedlater. The valve 6 and the cylinder spacer member 2l are positioned at such distance apart that the lever l will have clearance with the upper face of the horizontal rib I2a when this lever is perpendicular during its arcuate swing which is divided evenly on either side of the perpendicular, as appears.

The high pressure cylinder I6 and the low pressure cylinder I9 are aligned axially with the spacer member 2 I. The cylinder IIS has its flange Ib secured to the flange 2 Ia of the spacer member by the bolts I8, and the cylinder 9 has its ange I9b secured to the flange 2id' of the member 2i by the bolts 20. l

The piston member I2 has at one end the piston high pressurehead IZe, closely slidable within the high pressure cylinder IS, and has at the other end the low pressure piston head I2e, closely slidable within the low pressure Icylinder I9. The piston head I2e has an extension I 2f, and the piston head IZe has a similar extension l2f. Each of the U cups or other form of The valvel may be ing which closely receives the extensions I2f and I2f', respectively. The dashpot plunger I5 has threaded connection with the extension I2f and serves to lock together the U cups I3 and the spacer ring Ill and to hold them assembled against the end of the piston head I2e. Likewise, the U cups I3 and the spacer ring I4 are held assembled against the end ci the piston head le by the dashpot plunger i5'. The U cups I3, closely slidable within the cylinder I6, face toward the outer end of that cylinder, and the U cups I3', closely slidable within the cylinder I9, face toward the opposite direction. The piston member i2, the U cups I3 and I3', the spacer rings ill and lil', and the dashpotI plungers I5 and i5' will be known as the piston assembly.

The cylinder l has an end extension forming the dashpot cylinder Ilia which is closed at its outer end by the dashpot cap I'I. The cylinder it has a similar end extension forming the dashpot cylinder IQa which is closed at its outer end by the similar cap II'.

The dashpot plunger I5 is tapered slightly, as appears in Fig. 3, and has very slight clearance, such as one-sixty-fourth inch, within the dashpot cylinder Ia whenever it engages upon the cap Il. Likewise, the dashpot plunger I5', also is tapered slightly and has similar clearance within the dashpot cylinder IQa whenever it engages upon the cap I l.

Proximately below the cylinder spacer member 2i, the casing bleeder valve 22, the high pressure casing input valve 255, the high pressure bleeder valve 26, and the high pressure charger valve 23, which may be plug valves, as shown, are secured adjustably upon the platform 38. The valve 22 has its base engaged upon this platform by the U-shaped strap bolts 34, each end thereof passing through the slots 38h and having 4 its nuts tightened against the nether side of the packing I3 and I3 and each of the spacer rings I4 platform 38. In like manner, the valve 24 is secured rmly upon the platform by the strap bolts 3l having their ends engaged through the slots 38h and being lockedby nuts engaging the nether side of theplatform. In order to have its upper end level with the upper ends of the valves 22 and 2t, the valve 26 is raised by the base 2Gb upon which it is secured by the strap bolts 35 passing through the slots 38o and urging the base 2th firmly upon the platform. In like manner, the base 2811 raises the valve 28 so as to have its upper end level with the upper ends of the valves 22, 2d, and 26, where the base 282) is secured by the strap bolts 36 having their ends received through the slots 38e.

The slots S819, 38h', 38C, and 33e' of the platform 38 are such length that the valves may be positioned adjustably upon the platform in order to provide that the operating levers will be actuated properly by the drive pins. Provision for similar adjustment is made in the modifications, as is apparent.

The plat-form 33 has the clamp portion 38a mated with the separate clamp 39, similar to the clamps 4I and ill' in Fig. 5, in order to position the platform 3B securely upon the nipple 2a by means of the bolts llt and dll', Figs. 2 and 5. 'Ille openings for these bolts through the clamp portion 38a of the platform 33 preferably should be countersunk as at 42a, Fig. 1l, to receive the beveled head or nut of each of the bolts 40 and d'.

Itis evident that the clamps 38a, 39, 4I and 4I' 4may have an internal tooth spread wide enough to engage all sizes of tubing which usually are employed in flowing wells.

The valve 22 has its operating shank `22a engaged by the operating leverA 23, having the slot 23 within which slot is positioned the drive pin The valve 24 has its operating shank 24a engaged by the operating lever 25, having the slot 25 within which slot is positioned the drive pin 33. The valve 26 has its operating shank 26a engaged by the operating lever 21, having the slot 21 within Which slot is positioned the drive pin 3|. The valve 28 hasfits operating shank 28a engaged by the operating lever 29, having the slot 29 within which slot is positioned the drive pin 32.

The drive pins 30, 3|, 32, and 33` have their upper endssecured within the enlargement |2c of one of the piston ribs |2a at such distance apart as to cause the levers 23, 25, 21, and 29 to be parallel with each other'when the pins 30, 3|, 32, and 33 are proximate the extreme ends of the slots, as appears in Fig. Ll. The slot 2|d of the cylinder spacer member 2| is of such width Vand length as to permit the drive pins to fully open and closethe valves 22, 24, 26, and 28, as Will'be explained later.

The swing of each of the levers 23, 25, v21, and

, 29 is divided evenly on either side of a center line extending longitudinally through each valve to which the respective levers are attached.

The valves 6, 24, and 26 open together,- while, at the same time, the valves 22 and 28 close, it being possible to adjust such valves to open or close in either direction. 4

The latch best 'shown in Figs. 3 and 6 is for the purpose of delaying the movements of the piston member l2 until sufficient energy is exerted upon either end thereof to complete the piston travel in the opposite direction. This latch is similar in operation to the latch described in my co-pending application Serial No. 267,193, filed April 10, 1939. i

The latch shell 4 4 is secured against the spacer member 2| vby the latch clamps 55 and 55 engaged with the bosses 2|h and 2|h, respectively,

of the member 2| by the capsc'rews 55a and 55a', respectively. The ends of the shell 44 are vclosed by the latch shell caps 45 and 45 which engage upon the p'ackings 50a for the purpose of providing leakproof connections.

Proximate its ends, the latch shaft 46 has the latching recesses 46a adapted to be engaged by the latch balls 41 (see Figs. 3 and 6). The ball riders 48 urge the latch balls inwardly against the latch shaft and against the ball iioors 49 by force of the coiled latch `springs 52, both ball riders and springs having some clearance within the shell 44. `Each ofthe ball floors 49 may be connected threadedly into the shell and secured in position by the lock rings 49a to cause the latch to engage properly at either end of the travel of the shaft 46. The glands 5| `may have threaded connection within the ballfloors 49 in Yorder properly to compress the packings 50. The holes 5|a provide that the packings may be com-` pressed by means of a special wrench applied through the openings 44a.l In operation, if it be desired to engage the latch with its full force, the latch balls 41 will be engaged to the maximum depth of the latching recesses 46a, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. If, however, less latching force is desired at either or both ends of the latch shaft travel, the members 49 and 49a may be unscrewed farther out of the shell 44 until the latch balls 41 will enter the recesses 46a at proper depth to produce the desired latching force. It will be understood that the members a, 41, 48, 49, 49a, 50, 5|, and 52 are duplicated at each end of the latch assembly and that the latch engages inthe same manner at each end, it being understood that the latch balls 41 may be caused to engage `deeper at one end than at the other end, as stated.

The latch is operated by the movements of the piston member 2, the latch drive pin 43 being secured at one end within the enlargement l2d of the piston member, as appears in Fig. 3 and having its other end engaged within an opening through the latch shaft, as appears in Fig. 6. The slot 44D of the shell 44 and the slot 2Ie of the cylinder spacer member 2| are somewhat wider than the thickness of the pin 43. These slots register and are of proper length to allow the latch shaft 46 to complete its travel in either direction.

- The latch lubricator conduity 53, secured upon the shell 44 by the welds 53a and 53h, provides that, by removing the plug 54, the latch may be filled with a lubricant which will be confined by the packings 5U, because the latch shaft 46 remains engaged with this packing during all movements of the latch.

The high pressure supply line 56, having within it the Ts 51 and 58 and the valve 24, is connected into the casing head 3; whereby it is placed in communication with the annular space la. The second high pressureconduit leads out of the high pressure line 56 at the street L 59, b ushed into the T 58. This high pressure conduit 60, having the high pressure charger valve 28 and the charger timing valve 62, which latter preferably should be a needle valve, `and the T 6| is connected into the rst high pressure conduit at the T 63 by means of the bushing 64. The high pressure conduit 65, having the T 63, connects the high pressure receiver 66 to the high pressure lubricator reservoir 68, the latter having threaded connection with the high pressure cylinder I6.

The high pressure line 56 leads also into the pressure regulator 10, which may be of the type disclosed in Patent No. 2,007,363 which was ap- .plied for by me, although any of several other kinds of pressure regulators, now available, may be used. l The pressure regulator 10 should be adjusted to reduce somewhat the pressure of the air or gas discharging into the low pressure. conduit 1| This conduit, having thecheck valve 1|a and the 'l' 12,'is connected into the low pressure lubricator reservoir 69 which, in turn, is connected into the low pressure cylinder i9. A

. low pressure branch conduit 13 is connected into the T 12 and with the low pressure receiver 14. The pressure gauge 61, connected into the high pressure conduit 65, and the similar gauge 61', connected into the low pressure conduit 1|, are for the evident purpose of indicating the difference in pressures obtaining within the high and low pressure conduits.

The pressure relief valve 15, which may be similar to that shown in Patent No. 2,055,465 which was applied for by me, should be set to pop off at a pressure only slightly greater than that which the regulator 10 should maintain in the low pressure conduit 1|; thus providing that approximately `the proper diierence in pressures will obtain constantly within the high and the low pressure conduits, even though the pressure regulator 10 should leak some pressure iiuid into the low pressure conduit 'Il' during. times` when the: regulator should maintain its-valvefclosed..

The high pressure bleed'er conduit 16, connect.- ed into the T 6l, leads out' ofthehighpressure conduit 6!) and through the valves` 25. and. 'H which latter, preferably, should be aneedlevalve. This valve, when open,- discharges pressure fluid to atmosphere; thereby reducing the pressure within the receiver 66 and the conduits 65, 15; and that part of the conduit iwhich-is between the valve 28 and the conduit. 65,I in a manner to be explained later.

The casing bleeder conduit ileads out of. the casing head 3 and through the valve 22'which valve, when open, discharges pressurefluid. out of the annular-space la to atmosphere.

The valves E, 2li, andf26 are adjusted andiinstalled so that they will be open when the piston member l2 travels from the highpressure end to the low pressure end of. itsfstroke, the piston member then assuming the position shown in Fig. 3. On the same stroke, thevalves 22 and 28 will be closed. Obviously, when the piston member l2 travels in the' opposite direc tion, i. e., from the low pressurefend to thehigh pressure end of its stroke, thevalves 6, 24, and 26- will be closed, While the valves 22' 'and 2S willbe opened.

Thus, it will be observed that the welliflowing operation begins when the low pressure head l2e of the piston member I2 moves-into thelow pressure cylinder iii, as appearsin Fig; 3; Pres sure fluid then is discharged into` the annular space la within the well casing'by thefvalve-'ZL while the casing bleeder' conduit 181 is closediby the valve 22 and, that, at thesameY time, the high pressure cylinder iis having thepressure within it bled oir by the open valve 26; while the valve 23 controlling the flow off high. pressure uid into the conduit (it is closed in order that the open bleed-.er valve 26 willoperate toreduce the high pressure within the cylinder i6.; During this time, the valve 6 is open in orderlthatft-he Well may ilow through the tubing Ziand the nipples 2a and 5 when the pressure within-the: annular space la is built up tov the proper value1. The parts retain the positions shown in Figs; 1 to 6 inclusive until'the pressure in the highpres-y sure cylinder i6 is reduced to a predetermined value below that in cylinder I9, at which time the well flowing operation is concluded.

At conclusion of the well flowing operation, the high pressure piston head 22e of the piston member l2 moves into the high pressure cylinder I6. At this time, the casing bleeder valve 22 and the high pressure charger valve 28, which controls the input of pressure fluid into the receiver 65, are open; whilethe valve 24, controlling the pressure fluid input to the casing, and the high pressure bleeder valve 2S, controlling the discharge from the receiver 65, andthe tubing valve 6, are closed.

It will be assumed that the latch is set to hold against ten pounds per square inch exerted upon either end of the piston member, i. e., against the piston heads |26 and le with no opposing pressure against the opposite head; ten pounds per square inch more pressure acting upon one head than upon the other being assumed to be sufiicient force to cause the piston member I2 to complete its travel in either direction.

The high pressure bleeder timing valve 'I1 controls the duration of the well iiowing operation by governing the length of time required to bleed off pressure huidl from the receiver 66 down to a' value enough lessthan that obtaining within the receiver 14 to force the piston member to its extreme right position.

The charger timing valve 62. controls the interval between flowing operations-.by governing the length of time required to build up pressure within. the receiver 66 to a value such as will cause the piston member to move to its extreme left position, as in Fig. 3.

By way of illustrating the operation of this intermitter, a vWell forming problem will besta-ted and its solution demonstrated.

Problem: The Well is to be fiowed regularly for one hour at intervals of two hours between the flowing operations, using compressed. air. or gas under-250 pounds pressure, the cycle being completed -in three hours.

Solution: (1) Place 250 pounds, ormore, of compressed air or gas into the high pressure line 56. (2) Set the regulator i6 to maintain 200 pounds pressure within the conduit 1|. (3) Set the pressure relief valve 15. to pop oil at 201 pounds. This will prevent any possible leakage through the regulator from interfering with the operation of the intermitter. (4) Set the charger timing valve e2 so that the pressure within the high pressure receiver 5B Will build up to 210 pounds in two hours. This pressure will overcome the 200 pounds of pressure in the receiver 14 acting on the low pressure head 12e' and will drive the piston assembly to the left, operating the tubing valve E. (5) Setr the bleeder timing valve 'il' (see Fig. 4) so that it will bleed the pressure out of the receiver Gi'irom 210 pounds to pounds in one hour, at which time the piston willimove to the extreme right. This setting of the bleeder timing valve regulates the duration of each flo-wing operation; The piston assembly then will return to the left and will reenter the low pressure cylinder i9, as 'shown in Fig. 3, completing the operating cycle.

The foregoing solution of the previously stated problem contemplates that the pressure regulator is in perfect working order. If the regulator should leak and the relief valve 'I5 consequently should control the pressure acting-upon the low pressure heady E26', it will be necessary ior the pressure acting upon the high pressure head l2@ to build up to 211 pounds before the piston assembly will move toward thelow pressure cylinder I9.

Oviously, there is no relation between the value of the pressure fluid in the line 5E to that required to operate the intermitter which lmay be made to operate at any pressure equal to, or less than, the pressure employed to ow the Well. The latter pressure is determined'by well-conditions such as the depth and the volume of liquid and the kind of liquid to be lifted; while the pressures necessary to operate the intermitter may be of any lower values which will afford the necessary diierential to actuate-the high and low pressure piston heads 12e and I2e'.

The size of tle high pressure supply line 56 and the valve 2li may be such as two inches, in order that pressure iiuid may be placed quickly into the annular space la atv lbeginning of the well flowing operation. The sizes of the conduit S- and the valvev 22 may be also such as two inches, in order that the pressure fluid will be discharged quickly out of the annular space la at conclusion ofthe -owing operation. The sizes of the conduits S0 and 'I6 and of the valves 25 and 28 may'besuch as one-half inch. Preferably, the valves 6-2 and 11 should be needle-valves, in

-closing the valve 6.

order that they may be adjusted 'delicately to permit only small volumes of gas to pass through them, because the valve 62 in connection with the valve 26 c-ontrols the time limit of each well flowing operation and the valve 11 in connection with the valve 28 controls the time interval between well flowing operations, as was explained previously. l The exhaust gas from the well released through the conduit 18 may be discharged into a pipeline connected to` the end of the conduit 18in order that this exhaust gas then may be utilized for other purposes.

By reference to Figures 2 and 4, it, will be observed that the valves 6, 22, and 24 are driven by the levers 1, 23, and 2'5, respectively. The slot 1' in the lever 1 has the pin driving surfaces 1a1 1b, and 1a and 1b' (see Fig. 10). The pin driving surface 1a is parallel with the piston member when this member is in its extreme position toward the low pressure cylinder I9, and the pin driving surface 1a' is parallel with the piston member when that member is in its extreme position toward the high pressure cylinder I6. These surfaces 1a and 1a may be of equal length. They provide that the piston member will travel a predetermined distance in either direction, before the actuator pin 8 will engage the driving surfaces 1b or 1b', by which surfaces this pin is caused to open or to close the valve. This arrangement provides that the piston member will be allowed to develop a certain momentum before encountering the resistance of opening or In like manner, the levers 23 and 25 are formed with openings similar to the opening 1' in the lever 1, except that the piston member travels a certain distance before the drive pin 30 encounters the load of the lever 23 and, after traveling somewhat farther, encounters the load of the lever 25 by means of the drive pin 33. In this manner, the valve 23 mayV be caused to begin opening or closing when the piston member has traveled one` inch, and for example, the valve 25 may be caused to begin opening or closing when the piston member has traveled two inches, and the valve 6 may be caused to begin opening or closing when the piston member has traveled three inches. The slots in the levers 21 and 29 may be straight to receive the drive pins 3| and 32 closely therein, because the valves 28 and 28 are comparatively small and, for that reason, may be actuated at the beginning of the piston travel.

The reservoirs 68 and 68 have within them thev perforated baille tubes 69 secured to them by welds as indicated at 68'. These reservoirs may be filled with a lubricant which will follow the piston heads I2e and |26 and will lubricate the cylinders I8 and I9. This lubricant also lls the -dashpot cylinders Ilia and Illa; thereby aiding the dashpots to cushion the impacts of the cylinder assembly. The lubricant maybe placed within the reservoirs 68 and 88' by removing the gauges 61 and 61,'. This lubricant may be withdrawn by removing the drain plugs IEic and |60', Fig. 2. i

Attention is directed to the fact that'the valves 8 and 22 and the conduit 18 may be dispensed with under certain well flowing conditions. If it be desired to retain the pressure fluid within the well during the interval between flowing operations, the valve `22 and the conduit 18 may be dispensed with and the casing head opening, having the casing bleeder conduit 18 connected into it, may be closed by a plug. If this be done, the

well might build up enough pressure to cause it to flow and thereby to exceed its allowable production. To prevent such irregular flowing, the valve 6 may be employed.

It should be observed also that both of the valves 22 andr 24 may be dispensed with, if the well produces enough gas to ow it or if pressure liuid be provided for thev annular space Ia from an external sourcel and it is desired to hold a constant pressure on the producing formation.

In this event, the part of the high pressure line 58 between the' T 58 and the casing head and the conduit 18 will be eliminated from the construction and both side openings of the casing head and the opening of the T 58, thus vacated by part of the line 58, will be closed by plugs.

The mechanical counter 1.9, many types of which are available, may be secured upon the boss 2li of the cylinder spacer member 2|, where it will be actuated to count the well flowing operations by the finger 88a of the counter actuator member 8|] secured between the head of the stud ||l and the bracket 8 (see Fig. 9).

In Fig. 7, illustrating a modified form of platform supporting the valves 22, 24, :26, and 28, these valves are the same as those shown mounted upon the platform 38 in Fig. 4, but they are staggered, so'that two of them will be opening while the other two will be closing, as in Figs. 2 and 4, without the necessity of providing two valves made or adjusted to open by having their operating shanks turned in opposite directions.

In Figs. '7, 8, and 11, which show a modied platform construction and means for actuating the tubing valve 8, it will be understood that parts bearing the same reference characters as the similar partsin Figs. 1 to 5, both inclusive, are the same in form. and purpose in both constructions.

The rack 88, replacing the pin 8 and the bracket 9 in Figs. 1 and 2, is secured upon the piston member I2 by the cap screws 82 engaging the spacer washers 8| upon the piston enlargement I2b of the piston member I2.

The pinion 89, pressed over or otherwise secured upon the valve operating shank 6a of the valve 8, replaces the valve lever 1 in Figs. 2 and 5.

The teeth 88a of the rack 88 are enmeshed with teeth 88a of the pinion 88 in such manner as to remain engaged throughout the travel of the piston member |2 in both directions.

The platform 83, Fig. 7, has the valves 22, 24, 28, and 28 secured upon it. The valve 22 may be welded to its base 84, and the valves 24, 26, and 28 may be secured similarly upon their respective bases 84', 85, and 85'.l The valve base 84 is shown secured upon the platform 83 by the bolts 86. The valve base 84' may be secured to the platform 83 by the bolts 86. The' valve bases 85 and 85', likewise, may be secured upon the platform. 83 by the bolts 81 and 81', respectively.

It willrbe observed that the valve bases 85 and 85 are of such height as to support the valves 26 and 28 with their upper ends level with the upper ends of the valves 22 and 24, so that the levers 23, 25, 21, and 29 will be on the same horizontal plane in order thatv the drive pins 30, 3|, 32and 33, of uniform length, may engage the slots 23', 25', 21', and 29', asv appears in Fig. '1; thereby causing the same valve action as in Fig. 4.

The mechanical counter 19, shown in Fig. 8 is, in all respects, the same as the one appearing in Fig. 2, except that in Fig. 8 the counter is actuated by being contacted by the rack 88 on the travel of the piston `member toward the low pressure cylinder, as appears.

That part'o theassembly which'is necessary to complete the intermitter partially shown in Fig. 8, will be understood as being the same as that shown in the device-illustratedin Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 5.

.In Figs. l2 and 13, illustrating `a modified form rof the intermitter shown in Figs. l, 2, 3, and 5,

the conduits indicated by numerals bearing the suix A will be understood as serving the same purpose as those referred=to in the previous embodiment by these'numerals without Vthe suiix, which is employed for convenience in identifying the conduits and comparing the operation of one construction with the other.

Parts bearing the same reference characters in Figs. 12 and 13, 'as in the previous embodiments,

will be understood as being identical in form andV purpose in both constructions. n

The low pressure cylinder S4, having the flange 94a, and the cylinder spacer member 9B, having the ribs Sta and the flange SlbVare aligned and secured together by the bolts 97 engaged through the flanges sila and 96h. The high pressure cylinder .95 has its ange 95a. secured to the lange 96o of the spacer member 96 by the bolts 9i", whereby the latter cylinder is aligned with the other cylinder 94 and the intermediately iconnected member S. The cylinder 95, .having its lower end threadedly engaged by the'cap 93, will be referred to as the highxpressurecylinder. The cylinder 94, having its upperend threadedly engaged by the cap 93',will .be referred to as Vthe low pressure cylinder. The members '95, k95, and 95 will be referred to vas the cylinder assembly, within which there is .installed .a piston similar to the member I2 in Fig. V3. Thelower end of this piston has the head |2e closely slidable within the high pressure cylinder, asfin'the previous embodiments. This .head has `the extension yI2g over which the cup spacer rings 9| and 92 have threaded engagement. One ofthe annular U cups 9|).is housed within an annular peripheral recess of the ring 9|, and the other U cup Quis housed within a similar recess of the These U cups Sil, which may be'substituted by any other suitable form of packingare slidable closely within the cylinder 95 and are adapted to be expanded against this cylinder by pressure uid entering thecylinder throughthe sho-rt conduit |22. The ring 92 has an outer end central opening adapted to receive, with slight clearance, the dashpot piston 93a of the cap 93.

The low pressure cylinder 9d and the cap 93', as well as the vupper end of the piston, will be understood as being formed like the lower end of the piston and cylinder`assembly.described in the preceding paragraph. The piston I2 andthe U cups 90, and the rings 9| and 92, together with the corresponding cups and rings installed upon the other end of the piston, will be referred to as the piston assembly.

The distance of the piston travel within the cylinder assembly is such as will actuate the valves, as will be explained later. The cylinder 94 is of such length that the upper end of the piston will remain within it on `the downward stroke of the piston. The cylinder 95 is, likewise, of such length that the piston vhead I2e will remain within it when the upper end of the piston is engaged similarly within the cylinder 94.

The cylinder assembly is secured upon and parallel with the nipples 2a, and 5 by the two pairs'of similarclamps II4'II5;and Ill-IIE. The .clamp IIA, made in two similar halves, is secured uponthe nipple 5 bythe bolts I I6 which bolts are of proper length'to secure the similar mating clamp II5 upon the upwardly projecting central tubular bosscf the low pressure cylinder cap 93. rl'he bolts II6 are of proper length to provide that the distance between the nipple 5 and the cylinder assembly may be adjusted by means of the nuts Ila, as is apparent and as was explained for the similar clamp fII--ll in Fig. 5. .The .clamp II'l, secured upon the nipple 2a and the clamp l I8, secured upon the depending central tubular extension of the cap 93, serve to secure the .cylinder assembly in alignment with the nipple 2a by means of the bolts H6 and the V*nuts IIa'.

The tubing valve 6 has the lever I engaged upon the operatingshank 3a, as in Fig. 2. The slot "I" has positioned within it the actuator pin |23, -slidable within the slot 96d of the cylinder spacer member 96, this pin being engaged threadedly within the piston member I2 similar` to the stud Ill or Ill in the previous embodiment. The pin |23 actuates the lever l, as was explained in connection with Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5.

The platform IIS is secured upon the nipples 2a and E by means of clamps and bolts. The upper-pair of these clamps |05 and |95 is secured upon the nipple 5 by means of the short bolts |96 and the long bolts |91. The upper end of the platform I |3 is positioned at proper distance from the cylinder assembly and parallel therewith bymeans of the long bolts Il. and the nuts I |18. The lower platform clamps .|09 and |99' are secured upon the nipple 2a by the vshort bolts IIG and the long bolts |I2. The lower end of the platform I|.3.is positioned at proper distance from the `cylinder assembly and parallel therewith lby means or the long bolts `I |2 and the nuts III. It is apparent that the distance between theplatform II3 and the cylinder assembly may be adjusted by screwing the .nuts |08 and I II inwardly or outwardly, as may be required.

The valves 22, 2li, 26, and 28, secured upon the platform IIS by the strap boltsi, 35, 3B, and 3l, respectively, are similar valves similarly operated by drive pins secured within the piston member I2 and extending within slots in the attached levers 23, 25, 21, and 29. These valves serve the samelpurpose as the valves bearing the same reference characters in Figs. 2, 3, and 4.

The high pressure supply line 56A, having connected into it the T 99 andthe high pressure valve 24, is connected to the T |94 of the low pressure conduit 'I IA which latter conduit is connected into the casing head 3; thus affording communication between the line 56A and the annular space Ia, the communication being governed by the valve 24.

The casing bleeder conduit 18A has connection with the annular space Ia. by means'of being connected into the casing head 3 and also has communication with the bleeder valve 22, by which Valve the annular space Ia. may be closed or opened to atmosphere.

The low pressure `conduit TIA, having connected into it the T |00, the check valve IDI, thecombination check `and globe valve |02, the pressure regulator |03 and the T Il, is placed in communication withY the annular space la by means of being connected into the casing head 3 and is in communication with the upper end of the piston within the low pressure cylinder 94 by means of being connected into the upper end of the lubricatorreservoir 68 which reservoir, in turn, has connection with the cylinder cap 93 (see Fig. 13). The lowpressure receiver 'I4 has connection with the conduit 'HA by means of the nipple |24.

'Ihe rst high pressure conduit 65A, having the cross 98 iconnectedinto it, is connected with the receiver 66 and with the lubricator reser Voir 68, thisreservoir being connected with the lower end of the pistonassembly within the high Ipressure cylinder 35 by means of the short conduit |22 and the cylinder capA 93. IThe clamp H9 engages about the reservoir E8 and the `clamp |20 engages about the cylinder 95. Each of these clamps has an internally threaded boss within which is engaged the adjusting stud l2| adapted to adjust properly the distance between the members 68 and 95 and to secure them together before the short conduit |22 is cut to t. rThe second high pressure conduit 68A, having the valves 28 and 62 connected into it, has connection with the T 9|) of the line 56A and with the cross 98 of the conduit 65A.

The high pressure bleeder conduit 16A, havg` ing connected into it the valves 25 and 11, has

the high presbodiment; of the intermitter, it will be underf stood that highA pressure air or gas will be available in the line 56A. This pressure fluid passes through the valve 24 and enters the casing head through the T lll/l and the swaged nipple which is shown at the inner end of the conduit HA when the well is iiowing, and is cut oir by the valve2 4 when the well is not fiowing. v

The bleeder conduit; 18A, having its valve 22 closed while the well isflowing, discharges the surpluspressure uid left inthe `annular space |a at conclusion of the flowing operation when the casing bleeder valve 22 is open. y

The high pressure conduit 60A is employed to charge the high pressure receiver with compressed air or gas of the value ci that within l- The high pressure bleeder conduit 16A has its valve 2G :open while the lwell is flowing and has it closed while the well is not flowing. The needle valve Tl may be opened, slightly to allow the pressure iiuid within the receiver 5E to bleed down far enough to` cause the piston assembly to travel in the direction of the low pressure cylinder 94 by force of the pressure iiuid within the low pressure receiver 14. The `time required for such bleeding down of the pressure fluid Within the high pressure receiver determines the duration of the flowing operation.

The pressure regulator, illustrated generally and indicated at m3, is employed to reduce the pressure of the air or gas from the high pressure line 56A to the lo-W pressure air or gas conne within the receiver 14.

Itv will be understood that the pressure regulators employed in both constructions herein described may be similar to the regulator disclosed in Patent No. 2,007,363, application for which patent was made by me. i

.The dierence between the value of the high pressure within the receiver 56 and the low pressure Within. the receiver 'I4 pro-vides that the pis-` ton assembly will be forced to its uppermost posiv tion Within the low pressure cylinder 94 by the high pressure fluid within the receiver 66 and then will be returned to its lowermost position within the high pressure cylinder Q5, as shown in Fig. 12, by the pressure fluid within the receiver M after the bleeder valve 2t opens and allows the needle valve 1'! to drain `the pressure fluid slowly out of the receiver 66 down to enough below the value of this iiuid within the receiver 'ill to allow the latch to be sprung-and the Diston assembly to be moved downward again by force of lpressure fluid from the receiver '14.

The check valve HH opens to allow flow in the direction of the receiver '|4 and closes to prevent compressed air or gas within the receiver 14 from escaping into the well when the casing bleeder conduit '18A is opened by the valve 22 at conclusicn of each iiowing operation. The'combinal When i the piston assembly moves downwardinto the high pressure cylinder 95, as shown in Fig. 12, the valves 6, 24, and 26 are open and the valves 22 and 28 are closed. In this operation, the tubing-is opened by the valve 6, pressure fluid is placed in the annular space la by the valve 24, and the pressure within the receiver Sii is being reduced -by the open high pressure bleeder valve 26; while, at the same time, the annular space Ia is shut in by the closing of the valve'22 and pressure fluid is cutoff from entering the receiver G6 by the closing of the high pressure charger valve 28. When the pressure within the receiver 66 hasbeen reduced far enough below the pressure within the receiver 'I4 by the open bleeder valve 2E and the needle valve the piston assembly will be forced upward in which operation the valves 6, 24, and 26 will be closed; while the valves 22 and 28 will be opened. In this operation, the tubing is closed by the valve E and the annular space la is opened by the valve 22, while .the bleeder valve 26 closes to enable the open valve 2B tobuild up pressure within the receiver. During this time, the valve 24 is closed in order to cut off pressure duid from the well, while the openvalve 22 removes all pressure from the producing formations. When the pressure within the receiver E6 builds up through the open valve 28 to a value enough greater than that within the receiver lil, the piston assembly will again move downward and thus the cycle automatically repeats.

It will be noted that the pressure within the receivers 66 and 74 may be of any low value which will aiord the diierential necessary to operate the piston and valves; while the pressure fluid employed to flow the well may be of any greater value. l

'Differing from the ordinary' combination of clocks and electric appliances usually employed for timing devices, it will be observed that these operationoontrolledby .the valve .11 and any interval between such operations controlled .by the valve 62, maybe obtained as was explained previously.

In Fig. 2, it will be observed that the piston travel is at rightangle to the tubing which ordinarily will cause slight vibration; whereas, in Fig. 12, this vibratory eifect is overcome by having the piston and tubing aligned.

While the mechanical counter 'I9 shown in the preferred embodiment is omitted from Fig. 12, it is apparent that such a counter may be secured upon the spacer member 96 and actuated by the pin I 23.

Those skilled in the art will know that a packer may be set between the tubing and the casing in combination with a suitable check valve (not shown) in the tubing, in order to prevent the pressure fluid employed in fiowin-g the well from contacting the producing formations of the well.

It is obvious that many minor changes in construction and substitution of other parts for those shown may be made within the scope and purpose of the stated objects and appended claims, and I reserve the right to make such changes and substitutions.

I claim:

1. In a flow `intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a, tubing .to provide a closed annular space therebetween adapted to receive a pressure fiuid, `and an outward extension of said tubing: a platform proximate said extension; a valve assembly on said platform comprising a highpressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve, a high pressure charger valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, said high pressure casing input valve and said casing bleeder valve constituting one pair of valves and said high Ypressure bleeder valve and said high pressure charger valve constituting a second pair of valves, said pairs of valves being arranged so that one'valve of each pair'opens while the other valve of that pair closes; an operating lever upon each said valve; each of said levers being formed with a slot adapted to receive a drive pin; a cylinder in spaced relation to said platform and valves, said cylinder having a high pressure end and a low pressure end; a piston within said cylinder; drive pins upon said piston, each of said pins being slidable in one of said'slots; each end of said cylinder being provided with a dashpot, and complemental structure on the corresponding end of said piston; a latch, an operative connection between said piston and said latch, said latch being adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; a high pressure lubricator reservoir upon said high pressure end; a low pressure lubricator reservoir upon said low pressure end; a lubricant in said reservoirs; a high and a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a first high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure lubricator reservoir; a low pressure conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low pressure lubricator reservoir; a high pressure supply line communicating with said annular space, the first said valve being in said supply line; a casing bleeder conduit between said annular space and said casing bleeder valve; a second high pressure conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said second conduit having said high pressure charger valve and a charger timing-valve therein; a high pressure bleeder conduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having a bleeder timing valve;a branch 'conduit between'said pressure supply Aline and said low pressure receiver, Said conduit having a pressure regulator therein; anda mechanicalcounter adapted to indicate the successive'movements of said piston.

2. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed an nular space therebetween adapted to receive a pressure fluid, and an outward extension of said tubing: a valve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a high pressure charger valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, the first and third said valves being adapted to open while the second closes; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said cylinder having a high pressure end and a low pressure end; a piston within said cylinder; means upon said piston and valves to open and close said valves by movement of said'piston; a latch, an'operative connection between said piston and said latch, said latch being adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; a high and a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a first high pressure conduit between said high' pressure receiver and said high pressure end; a low pressure conduit between said lovv pressure receiver and said low pressure end; a high pressure supply line communicating with said annular space, the first said valve being in saidsupply line; Ya second high pressure conduit between said pressure supply line and said rst conduit, said second conduit having said high pressure charger valve and a charger timing valve therein; a high Apressure bleeder conduit between said second highpressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having a bleeder timing valve; and a branch conduit between said pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver, said branch conduit having a pressure regulator therein.

3. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween adapted to receive a pressure uid, andan outward extension of said tubing: a valve assembly comprising a tubing valve in said extension, a high pressure charger valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, said tubing valve and said bleeder valve being adapted to open while said charger valve closes; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said cylinder having a high pressure end and a low pressure end; a piston within said cylinder; means upon said piston and valves to open and close said valves bymovement of said piston; a dashpot in each end of said cylinder, and complemental structure on the corresponding end of said piston; a high and a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a first high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure end; a low pressure conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low pressure end; a second high pressure conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit,I said second conduit having said high pressure charger valve and a charger timing valve therein; a high pressure bleeder conduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having a bleeder timing valve; and a branch conduit between said pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver, said branch conduit having a pressure regulator therein.

4. In a iiow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular spacetherebetween adapted to receive a pressure fluid, and an outward extension of said tubing: a` platform proximate said extension; va valve assembly on said platform comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a casing bleeder valve constituting a second pair of valvessaidV pa1rsof valves being arranged so that one Valve of each pair opens while 4the other valve of that pair closes; -a tubing valve upon said extension, said tubing valve opening simultaneously with said casing inputvalve; an operating lever upon 'each said valve; each of said valve operatingv levers beingformed with a slot adapted to receive a drive pin; a cylinder in spaced relation to said platform and valves, said cylinder having a high pressure end and a low pressure end; a piston within said cylinder; drive pins upon said piston, each of said pins being slidable in one of said slots; a dashpot in each end of said cylinder, and complemental structure on the corresponding end of said piston; a latch, said latch being adapted to delay andv make sudden thel movements of said piston; a high pressure lubricator reservoir upon said high pressure end; a low pressure lubricator reservoir upon said low pressure end;v a lubricant in said reservoirs; a high and a low pressure receiver proximatesaid well; a nrst high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure lubricator reservoir; a low pressure conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low pressure lubricator reservoir; a high pressure supply line communicating with said annular space, the first said valve being in said supply line; a casing bleeder conduit between said annular space and said casing bleeder valve; a second high pressure conduit between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said second conduit having said high pressure charger Valve and a charger timing valve therein; a high pressure bleederv conduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having a bleeder timing valve; a branch conduit between said pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver, said branch conduit having a pressure regulator therein; and aV open while the second closes; a tubing valve upon said extension, said tubing valve being adapted to open and close as said first valve opens and closes; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said cylinder having a high pressure end and a low pressure end; ka piston within said cylinder; means upon said piston and valves to open and close said valves; .a latch adapted to delay and make sudden the movements of said piston; a

high and a low pressure receiver proximate saidI well; a first high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure end; a low pressure conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low pressure end;` a. high pressure supply line communicating withv said annular space, the rst said valve being in CTI said supply: line; 4a second high pressure conduit 'between said pressure supply line and said rst conduit, vsaid second conduit having said high ypressure charger valve and a charger timing valve therein; a high pressure bleeder conduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having ableeder timing valve; and a branch conduit between said pressure supply line and said low pressure receiver, said conduit having a pressure regulator therein to reduce the pressure in said vlow pressurereceiver toy a predetermined lesser value than the pressure within said high pressure supply line. A j a 6. In a now intermitter for a well having a cas,- ing enclosing a tubing -to provide a closed annular` space therebetween adapted to receive a pressure'fluid, and an outward extension of said tubing: a'v'alve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input Valve, a casingbleeder valve, a high pressure charger valve, a high pressure bleeder valve, rand a tubing valve, said last valve being adapted to open when said rst Valve opens, said first and fourth valves opening when said second and Ithird valves close; a high pressure reservoir connected to1 said high pressure charger and bleeder valves a vcylinder in spaced relation to saidvalves; a piston in said cylinder; means for opening and'closing said valves, said means being operable bysaid piston;A a high pressure supply line connected to said casing input valve and `communicating via said casing valve with said annular space; a, casing bleeder conduit connected to said casing andto said casing bleeder valve; a. high lpressure co'nduitconnected to said high pressure charger and bleeder valves and to said high press-ure reservoir; means connected to one end of said-'cylinder for maintaining a ccnstant pressure upon one end of said piston; and tubular means connecting said high pressure reservoir to Vthe 4other end of said cylinder, by virtue of al1 of `which the pressure in said other end of said cylinder is alternately increased and decreased to eiect movement of said piston in one direction and their the other, thereby to open and close said valves.` l

7. In va iiow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed an nular space therebetween adapted to receive `a pressure uid, andan outward extension of said tubing: a valve assembly comprising a high pressure'charger Valve, av high pressure bleeder valve, and a tubing valve, said last valve being adapted to open as said bleederV valve opens, and to close as said charger valve opens; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves; a piston in said cylinder; means for opening 'and closing said valves, said means being operable by said piston; a high pres- 'end of said cylinder'is alternately increased and decreased above and below, respectively, said constant pressure, vthereby to effect movement of said piston inone direction and then the other to Yoperate said valves. f'

`8. In a flow` intermitterfor a well having a casing enclosing 'a tubing toprovide a closed annular space Ytherebetween adapted to receive a pressure uid, and an outwardv extension of said tubing: a platform proximate said extension and parallel thereto; a valve `assemblyionsaid platform lcomprising a high pressurercasing inputvalve, .a -casing bleeder valve, .a high pressure .charger valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, said high pressure casing input .valve and said .casing bleeder valve constituting one :pair of valves and said high pressure .bleeder valve `and said high pressure charger valve .constituting v.a second pair of valves, said pairs of valves being arranged-so that one valve of each pair opens as the other valve of that pair closes; an zoperating lever upon reach .said valve; each Aof said operating levers being formed with a, slot adaptedto receive Vadrive pin; a cylinder parallel to said extension and .in

spaced relation to said :platform and'valves, 'said cylinder having a .high zand a low pressure end; -a piston within said cylinder; drive :pins upon :said piston, each of said pins being s lida-.blecin one of said slots; a latch, an `-operative connection between said piston and said latch, said latch being adapted to .delay andmake sudden the movements of `said piston; .a 'high pressure ilubricator reservoir upon said high lpressure end; a ,low pressure lubricator reservoir upon said low pressure end; a lubricant in .said reservoirs; a high and a low pressure .receiver proximate said well; a rst high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure lubricator reservoir; a low pressure .conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low pressure lubricator reservoir; `a high pressure ,supply line communicating with said annular space, thefirst said valve being in said supply line; a .casing bleeder conduit betweensaid rannular .space and said casing bleeder valve; a second high pressure conduit between .said `.pressure .supply .line and said iirst conduit, .saidsecond-conduit .having said high pressure charger -valve and ,a charger 'timing valve therein; .andra high pressure bleeder conduit between said second high ypressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having `a bleeder timing salve.

9. In a flow intermitter Ior a lwell having a casing enclosing a tubing to v.provide a closed .annular space therebetween adapted .to receive a pressure fluid, and an outward extension ,of said tubing: a valve assembly comprising a high pressure casing input valve, a .high pressure charger valve, and a high pressure bleeder valve, the rst and third said valves being adapted to openwhiie the second closes, said valves being arranged in series parallel to said extension; .a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves vand parallel with said extension, said cylinder having .a high and low pressure end; .a piston within ,said cylinder; means upon said piston and valves to open and close saidnvalves; .a latch` ian operative Aconnection between said piston .and said latch, said latch being adapted to `delay and ymake sudden the movements of said piston; a fhigh .and a low pressure receiver proximate said Well; a first high pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high ,pressure end; a low pressure conduit between said low pressure receiver and said low .pressure end; a high pressure supply line communicating with said annular space, the iirst said valve being .in ,said .supply line; a second high pressure Yconduit .between said pressure supply line ,and said .rst conduit, said second conduit having 1said high pressure charger valve and a Vcharger timing valve therein; and a high pressure bleeder vconduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said .conduit having a bleeder timing valve.

vli). In a iiow intermitter fora wellV having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed .annular space therebetween adapted to receive a pressure fluid, and an -outward `extension of said tubing: a tubing valve on said extension; a charger valve and a bleeder valve in spaced relation to .said extension; a cylinder in spaced relation to said valves, said cylinder having a high and low pressure end and being secured parallel and in spaced relation to Said extension; a piston within .said cylinder; means upon said piston and .valves to open and close said valves; a high and a low pressure receiver proximate said well; a

first yhigh pressure conduit between said high pressure receiver and said high pressure end; a

low pressure conduit between said low pressure ,receiver and said low pressure end; a second high pressure conduit .between said pressure supply line and said first conduit, said second conduit having said high pressure charger valve therein;

.and a high pressure bleeder conduit between said second high pressure conduit and said high pressure bleeder valve, said conduit having a bleeder timing valve.

1l. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween: a valve .in said tubing; a supply oi pressure fluid; a conduit between said pressure .fluid supply and'said closed annular space; a valve in said conduit; a cylinder .and piston assembly; conduits connected to opposite ends of said cylinder and to said pressure supply; valves in said last mentioned conduits; and means for eiecting cooperation between said valves and between said valves and said piston by virtue of which said valves will all be operated by movement of said piston.

12. In a ow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween: an outward extension of said tubing; a cylinder and piston assembly secured proximate said extension; a valve in said tubing; means to operate said valve from one side of said piston.; a supply of pressure fluid; conduits connecting said pressure supply to opposite ends of said cylinder and including valves in spaced relation from said tubing valve; and means to operate said conduit valves from the other side of said piston.

13. In a flow intermitter for a well having a casing enclosing a tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween: an outward extension of said tubing; a cylinder and piston assembly secured proximate said extension; a valve in said tubing; means to operate said valve from one side of said piston; a supply yof pressure uid; conduits connecting said pressure supply to opposite ends of said cylinder and including valves spaced from said tubing valve; means to operate said conduit valves from the other side of said piston; and latch means carried by said cylinder and piston assembly intermediate said tubing valve and conduit valves for rendering positive and sudden the movements of said piston.

14. In the production of oil from a well including a casing enclosing an eduction tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween: means for intermittently .flowing oil through said tubing which includes means for applying pressure iiuid to said space to cause oil to now through said tubing; means for controlling said ow from and by said applied .pressure fluid; and fluid operated means for simultaneously cutting oiT the flow through said tubing and the application of pressure uid to said space.

15. In the production of oil from Ia well including a, casing enclosing an eduction tubing to provide a closed annular space therebetween; and a supply of pressure fluid proximate thereto: means forintermittently flowing oil through said tubing which includes means for applying pressure vfluid from said supply to said space to cause oil to flow through said eduction tubing; means for ALEXANDER BOYNTON. 

